MIAMI — R.A. Dickey hopes his knuckleball floats like a butterfly Thursday night. But he hopes there is no stinging by the powerful Dominican Republic bats.

When you rely on such an unpredictable pitch, nobody really knows what will happen. If the ball is dancing, Dickey could dominate. If movement is lacking, Dickey could be roughed up as he was in losing Team USA’s opener last Friday.

About all that is certain is that neither side will have to spend much time poring over scouting reports.

"Scouting reports are kind of out the window when he pitches," Team USA pitching coach Greg Maddux says. "His knuckle does unpredictable things."

In the 5-2 loss to Mexico, Dickey was able to control the knuckler, perhaps even a tad much. He gave up four runs and six hits but didn't walk a batter in his four innings. The knuckler just didn't dart as much as usual, possibly because Dickey hadn't used it much since completing his Cy Young season.

"That was my third outing since Oct. 2 so as much as my heart wanted to kind of step on the gas, sometimes it's hard for the body to catch up," Dickey said. "I'm another week stronger and I'm feeling pretty good so I'm anticipating a better outing."